Spied: 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo - Spy Shots

The all-new 991 is caught testing at the Nürburgring.

When images broke of the 991 Porsche 911 Turbo testing in the snow, we knew it would only be a matter of time before spy shots of it testing on a track would soon follow. After all, this is the next-gen Porsche 911 Turbo, not some new Toyota sedan. And Porsche being Porsche, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the German manufacturer took the 911 to the Nürburgring to stretch its rear-engine legs.

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Although much of iconic 911 design cues return—thankfully—the 991 looks like it has gained a few inches compared to the 997 it replaces. If you're concerned that the growth translates to increased heft, don't be. Early reports have the new 911 to be a few pounds lighter. Note the relocated sideview mirrors (moved from the corner of the windows to the doors)—a Porsche styling trend we've also seen on the latest Cayman and Boxster mules. As for the head and taillights on the new 911 test vehicle, pay them little mind. They are translucent stickers with printed designs that have been surreptitiously placed on top of the actual lenses.

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While official powertrain details have yet to be released, we fully expect the flat-6 engine to continue in its turbocharged configuration. Rumors have the new Porsche 911 Turbo making somewhere around 550 bhp, 50 more than the current generation. If that isn't whetting enough, several sources have stated that the next-gen 911 lineup will utilize a KERS system. Derived from Porsche's 24-hour endurance race efforts, the Kinetic Energy Recover System stores energy from braking and converts it to additional on-demand power via a flywheel. Finally, a hybrid we can fully appreciate.

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